Three law enforcement officials from the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force (TCAT) visited the Moline, Ill., headquarters of the American Rental Association (ARA) this past week, to learn more about the equipment rental association, the problems that members encounter with dealing with equipment theft and how law enforcement can help prevent theft and recover stolen equipment.

Sgt. Phil Dachman, Sgt. Dwayne Killian and Inspector Jim Hutchins of TCAT, headquartered in Joliet, Ill., spent the day with ARA staff members talking about the special challenges the equipment rental industry faces with theft and theft of services.

“Equipment theft continues to be a huge problem for our members and we are continually looking for more opportunities to reach out to law enforcement for their assistance and help with theft,” said Alysia Ryan, ARA's director of state government affairs, and ARA’s liaison to the National Equipment Register.

The officers were able to visit with ARA members Altorfer Rentals/The CAT Store and Avenue Rentals, both in Bettendorf, Iowa. “We appreciate the time Altorfer and Avenue Rentals spent with the task force members. Besides learning about equipment theft, it is vital that law enforcement also have a hands-on knowledge of the rental machines and their applications,” Ryan said.

TCAT is comprised of law enforcement officials from Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties in northeastern Illinois. Twelve different agencies contribute manpower to TCAT’s mission, which includes helping Chicago-area rental owners protect and recover stolen rental equipment.